Last week we flagged Heeney (117), D’Ambrossio (96) and Xerri (104) and they all backed it up. As the prices rise, time is running out to get on the smash picks, but let’s look at where to go this week.
Get on now
Harry Sheezel ($920k DEF, 122)
All pre-season there was speculation about Sheezel’s role which scared many off. Most of us also had Naicos (I’ll get to him later) as the clear number 1 defender. Well it appears the 2nd year sensation is going to prove us all wrong. Get on board now before his price gets out of reach!
Matt Crouch ($791k MID, 110)
Usually I would say stick it out with the guys you pick and don’t drop premiums to chase those mid priced guys, but Crouch may only be value for so long. He looks back to his best playing inside mid and is clearly in their top 3 CBA guys. If you haven’t already got Crouch, it might be now or never.
Luke Jackson ($793k RUCK/FWD, 108)
Crisis creates opportunity. Although this one does come with some risk as the uncertainty about how long Sean Darcy will be out for continues, Jackson was sensational this week after being more than serviceable last week. Even if Darcy returns, I can see a world where Jackson continues to see an uptick in ruck time, which helps limit the risk involved here.
Tom Powell ($583k FWD, 113)
With all of North’s young stars it was easy to forget about Tom Powell this preseason. Coming into Round 3, we have now seen enough to suggest he is well and truly entrenched in their CBA rotation and is scoring accordingly. If this keeps up, Powell could be the pick of the value guys in the midfield this year.
Get off
Alex Sexton ($470k FWD, 49)
The buzz name of the preseason, everything was looking great and we could have forgiven the low score in the wet last week, but without excuses this week before being shifted forward by Hardwick I have seen enough. His cash generation will now slow and with a bye it might be time to find an alternative.
Nick Coffield ($334k DEF, 2)
Another value pick sitting at D6 for a number of coaches who now finds himself on the chopping block. A score of 2 after an injury and subbing makes it very difficult for the new dog to generate the sort of cash we were hoping for. Fortunately Blake Howes is sitting there pumping out 70s each week and is an easy swap.
Hayden Young ($798k DEF, 75)
Now this is probably not an urgent get off, but after some slow scoring the previous week, Young barely got going in Round 2. His high ownership means he is still a safe hold, but if you missed guys like NWM or Sheezel, this might be your chance to jump ship.
Get outta town!
Nick Daicos ($964k DEF/MID, 61)
Prior to the season commencing many were worried about Daicos having a bye and the potential Finn tag coming in Round 5. After a big Round 1 that changed and we were regretting not starting the young star, but no one saw this coming! Another Collingwood loss and an insipid performance from Daicos would have owners mighty worried going into next week. Cheap after his bye…?
Jai Newcombe ($781k MID, 68)
While I do not like the idea of having the same player in this article twice, I’ll hide behind the change of section for Newcombe. All the signs were there for a breakout year where Newcombe would push the top 10 mids, but instead back to back 60s just make this pick a huge regret it what will no doubt be a long season.
Jordan de Goey ($703k MID, 28)
More of a draft relevant guy but what on earth was this! Played a full game in the midfield and doesn’t even hit 30!? There are deeper problems at the Magpies when their prime ball movers are struggling to get their hands on it. Can they bounce back this week?
